[Psychosomatic aspects of neuroleptic side effects]

Using four clinical examples it is demonstrated that the neuroleptic induced side effects occasionally occur due to an interplay of pharmacological and psychological factors. On the one hand, psychic conflicts can in a more or less specific way foster the occurrence of certain side effects; on the other hand, the presence of side effects can enable the patients' psychic problems to become manifest. The clinician should always be on the alert regarding the possible psychosomatic nature of neuroleptic side effects and intervene psychotherapeutically if appropriate.